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April 3, 2011

"Continued Breastfeeding" : straight from the mouths of babes

[synchronized chalk drawing]

This morning Ivy and I had a talk about "nah-nap" (what she calls nursing). Basically I was asking her why she likes it so much. I mean, she is two-and-a-half now, and I am trying to figure out her plan for our breastfeeding relationship. So far, I kinda feel like I'm always on tap, her personal keg. And a mom can start to feel used, you know?

She can speak very well for her age, and she said I just love it! And I asked her what it tastes like. It tastes like... (her smiling eyes looked upward and she thought for a minute) it tastes like flowers!

We giggled and no, I do not think my breast milk really tastes like flowers, but I think that is her way of saying it is all unicorns and rainbows. And I love that I can hear that in her own words. Like, maybe this is how your newborn would describe it if he could, you know, talk. You know, when they flutter those eyes in complete and utter pleasure... maybe she's speaking for nursing babies (and toddlers) everywhere. And that's kind of awesome.

I love this, Steph. Axel is 28 months and really incredible talker, and here are a couple things he's said about nursing lately: "I love Daddy's hugs and Mama's nurses." and "Will you please nurse me, Mama? It makes me feel good." And every few days he is sure to remind me, "I'm not big, Mama. I'm still little. I'm not a boy, I'm a baby." I did not think I'd still be nursing this much at this age (child's age), but I don't see this ending anytime soon.... Thanks for the sweet little post here and letting me chime in. xo

I read this while nursing my 3-month-old, and, while he can't tell me "it tastes like flowers" just yet, his contented sighs let me know I'm appreciated. Thanks for the encouragement to keep this up until he can tell me so!

Amazing photograph - really!!! This is my bedtime conversation with my three yr old tonight, while her little brother lay next to her patting her tummy and waiting his turn: So you like nursing then?uh-huDoes it taste good?uh-huThat good?Snap off: Too good to give up... Snap on!!!

This was just so lovely to read and really encouraging. I nursed my first till he was 14 1/2 months (yes, I want credit for that 1/2 month :) and I was unknowingly pregnant with milk that was drying up. I'm now nursing my new 4 month old and wonder how long we'll go. My parenting journey this time has already been so different. I guess you could say I'm a recovering babywise follower who is greatly inspired and encouraged by learning from you attachment mamas. I have much to learn, indeed. I really love it and am so inspired when I read things like your blog (your breastfeeding posts are some of my favorite!) Blessings to you. xoxo

This is really encouraging to read! I am pregnant with my second child, but still breastfeeding my first, who is 14 months. It's a challenge, but I continue on because the breastfeeding relationship is such a beautiful one. To be able to one day hear my daughter say why she enjoys breastfeeding would be just amazing!

I nursed my daughter until she was 3 years and 3 months. I wanted it to be an easy wean, meaning no tears and we were able to achieve it at that age. When she was still nursing she would say it tasted like cake. And to this day, she is 4 years and 3 months today, she still compares things that she REALLY loves to her "milky" as she called it. I think that it is precious!

Awe, love this! I asked Gretchen the other day about her "buckies" and she said "is SO good!!" and them pretended to chomp on them before having a nice long drink.I really love our relationship, but I'm also on tap 24/7, as you said, and there are tough moment. 90% love, 10% touched out from time to time :)

Thank you for this! I'm 32 weeks pregnant and my 27 month old has been nursing a LOT recently due to illness and teething (up from a nice and easy twice a day) and I've been feeling so frustrated with her. This was a nice reminder of why we are still going.

Im with alot of the ladies here...I needed to hear this tonight. my 15 month old has been crying alot tonight, dont know if its teething or ear infection (we will head to dr tomorrow) but the only thing that has helped her tonight has been nursing...LOTS of nursing. Though it wears me out sometimes, I'm so thankful to have that comfort to offer her. Id like to think its like flowers to her too! :)

I love Ivy. And you. Beautiful post, sweet friend! I was nursing Ezra as I read it, and when I looked down at him, he smiled this huge grin, and milk proceeded to pour out the sides of his mouth. It truly is all narwhals and peace signs.

I'm so glad you posted this! It is SO encouraging for all the nursing mamas out there!

I'm a recovering Babywise mom too. Like Abby said, I'm sure it works for some people, but it was not the right fit for my son, husband, and me. And it was actually THIS BLOG that opened my eyes to a brand new style of parenting that fits us just right!

good stuff! <3 this. I am feeling so drained and think I want to be so over nursing my 18 month old who nurses like 4 times an hour/every hour and has never slept more than 2 hours straight since birth. I'm a single mama so I am so tired! But after ready this, it just renews the reason why I have never pushed the reason for weaning EVER and will continue until he is ready to. His smiles after nursing and telling me "next" to switch breasts and then saying "all done" and snapping up my bra (LOL) shows me HE is in charge of the situation, not me!

I adore Ivy and this description. My 26 month old and I have been working on our nursing relationship too. It's been difficult, because last fall we were close to weaning...and then with my husband's stroke, it's still affecting her strongly. She's become more needy with me and some days will not let go of me, so I've learned to cook dinner with her on my shoulders (which she climbs up there by herself, my little monkey...).

But we're working on it. Most of the time, she does great. We've set up the guidelines (i.e. no need to nurse in public and no nursing when she's "hunqwy", etc.) and working on her eating real food when she's hungry instead of just wanting to nurse to eat. We've gone to sleep a couple times without her needing to nurse and it's been nice to have that bit of a release, the guidelines are definitely helping as well.

Sometimes though, knowing that she still needs me and wants me desperately is nice...especially on really bad days.

I've tasted breastmilk (my own) and I have tasted formula... I do NOT know how babies drink that stuff. I formula fed so I'm not knocking formula feeders. I am just saying when you really think about how it tastes there truly is NO comparison. Not that your little girl needs formula at 2 1/2 yrs but was just thinking about that recently. Anyway what a sweet little comment! My 17-month-old just self-weaned. I'm all dried up until new baby arrives in Sept.

I know what you mean about feeling like you're a keg on tap! It was a relief but also REALLY sad when my toddler stopped.

My daughter has just started this thing where she'll put both hands together and say: "Mommy-dear, pleas-a may I nurse the Mummy boobies". It's adorable and highly embarrassing. Can't seem to get her to drop the booby part either.

Love it! I mean, what is more special than flowers? Sometimes when Luna is latched on and clearly done "drinking" I'll ask her if she's finished. She'll furrow her brow and shake her head no - still attached, of course.

I like this post for the breastfeeding carnival. I think you're right that she is speaking for little ones who aren't using words yet. I just love what kids come up with to describe breastfeeding and the taste of milk.